Tiberias International Food, the company behind the popular chain restaurant Ayam Penyet President, has been slapped with a $1,000 fine on June 4 due to serious food safety breaches. The penalty comes after reports of multiple hygiene failures at their Hillion Mall outlet in Bukit Panjang.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) revealed in a June 5 statement that six customers suffered from gastroenteritis after dining at the establishment in June 2024. Fortunately, none of the affected individuals required hospitalization.

Following these reports, health authorities conducted a surprise inspection that uncovered shocking conditions at the premises. Investigators found:

• A filthy chiller posing cross-contamination risks

• Dirty storage racks and wall tiles

• General poor maintenance indicating systemic food safety issues

This isn't the first time Ayam Penyet President has faced regulatory action. Back in 2020, their Kallang Wave Mall branch received:

• A two-week license suspension

• 12 demerit points within a year (6 for selling unclean food + 6 for unregistered staff)

• $800 in fines for these violations

SFA issued a stern warning to all F&B operators: "Maintaining clean premises and following food safety protocols isn't optional - it's mandatory." The agency emphasized they will strictly enforce Environmental Public Health Act violations. First-time offenders face maximum fines of $2,000, with additional penalties of up to $100 daily for continuing offenses. Consumers are encouraged to report any suspicious food handling practices via SFA's online portal. For more details or to file complaints about unsafe dining establishments: https://www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback Reported by lim.kewei@asiaone.com

This case highlights Singapore's strict approach to public health enforcement as authorities maintain vigilance over F&B outlets across the island nation known for its world-class food safety standards. Industry experts note that repeat hygiene violations can lead to escalating penalties including longer suspensions or permanent closure - making compliance essential for restaurant operators. All consumers are reminded they play an important role as watchdogs when dining out by observing kitchen cleanliness and reporting concerns promptly. The article was fact-checked against official SFA statements and updated with full penalty details on June 5th afternoon. End/ lim.kewei@asiaone.com div >